SEVERAL relegation-threatened teams will be scrambling for points when the Jamaica Premier League continues today. There will be five games as the competition nears a crucial juncture in the races for play-off spots as well as teams seeking to maintain their places for next season.

Clarendon-based clubs Humble Lion, who are in 13th place, and last-placed Vere Phoenix United, separated by two points, will meet at Wembley Centre of Excellence while two other teams — Harbour View FC and Molynes United, who are also scheduled to play today — and one other, Chapelton Maroons will be in action on Monday.

At the other end of the table, leaders Mount Pleasant FA could increase their lead when they play away to Dunbeholden FC.

The competition returned to three rounds this season for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and with 12 rounds of matches left to be played in the regular season, teams will be scrambling at both ends of the table.

The race against relegation would appear to be closer than the race for the six play-off spots, with as many as half the teams still not secure in their positions.

Going into today’s game, the last five teams are separated by a mere seven points and positions can change with each set of games. However, both Humble Lion and Vere, who have combined for eight wins and whose combined points total 40, would see them in sixth place overall. They will be going all out for a precious three points today.

Humble Lion, who are yet to beat Vere this season, drew the first-round game 1-1, were edged 1-0 in the second round, but will go into their game winning two of their last three games while Vere’s winless run is at 11 games.

Vere led Molynes United 2-0 on Wednesday before losing 3-2 and have given up seven goals in their last three games.

Former champions Harbour View, who are in 11th place on 24 points — just three above the drop zone — have won just four times in their last 19 games going back to November last year, and face a Molynes team that is coming off a win after losing their last four games.

Two points separate the two teams for who three points would be like rainfall in a desert as they try to claw their way out of the ‘red zone’.

Ninth-place Dunbeholden FC are closer to the top six than the drop zone but are not safe. They will take on the might of leaders Mount Pleasant today at home, where they won the first-round meeting 3-2.

Mount Pleasant, however, won their most recent meeting 4-0 and will be favoured to win today again as they inch closer to securing their place in the play-offs, well ahead of the chasing pack.

Mount Pleasant have lost once and drawn twice in their last 20 games and lead the table by eight points, having scored 69 goals — 20 more than the closest team.

Defending champions Cavalier FC, who sat out the previous round due to their Concacaf Champions League assignment against MLS team Inter Miami, return to local football where they will face Waterhouse FC who are in a free fall with one win in their last eight games and are only in the play-off spot on goal difference over Racing United, both on 37 points.

Cavalier FC have not had things easy this season and are in fourth place — nine points off third place — with a game in hand. They are 21 points behind leaders Mount Pleasant.

Tivoli Gardens is another team that is going in the wrong direction as they sit in eighth place on 32 points. They face fifth-placed Portmore United, whom they have yet to beat this season.

Portmore United won their first meeting 2-1 and drew the second game. After being surprised by Waterhouse in their most recent game they will hope to rebound with a win today.

Sunday’s games:

Dunbeholden FC vs Mount Pleasant – Dunbeholden Sports Complex | 3:30 pm

Harbour View vs Molynes United – Harbour View Stadium| 3:30 pm

Vere Phoenix United vs Humble Lion – Wembley Centre of Excellence | 3:30 pm

Portmore United vs Tivoli Gardens – Ferdie Neita Park | 3:30 pm

Waterhouse FC vs Cavalier FC – Drewsland Stadium | 6:00 pm